03 June,2026 11:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde chairs a meeting with experts on Wednesday. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Navi Mumbai is set to emerge as a model âRecycle Hub' with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) initiating a series of innovative sustainability measures focused on waste recycling, environmental conservation, and circular economy practices.
A special meeting chaired by NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde on Wednesday brought together environmental experts, researchers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and civic officials to discuss long-term solutions for urban environmental challenges, particularly the scientific management and reuse of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols after immersion.
During the meeting, experts from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, presented a pilot project for POP recovery and recycling. They also showcased decentralised waste management models and small-scale waste processing technologies. ICT proposed setting up a recycling facility in Navi Mumbai, a proposal that will be examined for feasibility by the civic body.
In a significant development, representatives of idol-makers' associations agreed to utilise recycled POP for manufacturing new idols, paving the way for a sustainable Ganesh festival ecosystem.
Environmental organisation Nuotera showcased an innovative model that converts recycled POP into school furniture, including study tables, and proposed a memorandum of understanding with the civic body for collecting immersed idols for reuse.
The meeting also featured presentations on biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics, biomass briquettes made from garden and agricultural waste for use in crematoriums, and the development of a citizen volunteering platform to encourage public participation in environmental initiatives.
Officials highlighted that Navi Mumbai currently has over 15 lakh trees spread across more than 225 locations, according to a recent tree census. The civic administration reiterated its commitment to increasing native tree plantations and strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts.
Commissioner Shinde also stressed the need for scientific tracking of idols through GPS tagging during Ganeshotsav and Navratri to ensure environmentally compliant immersion practices.
The meeting additionally reviewed the implementation of the newly introduced Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, particularly the responsibilities of institutions and housing societies generating over 100 kg of waste daily.
"Navi Mumbai has the potential to become a leading recycling and sustainability model for urban India. We must convert innovative environmental concepts into practical and scalable solutions. Scientific management of POP idols, decentralized waste processing, biodiversity conservation, and active citizen participation will be crucial in building a cleaner and greener city," said Dr Kailas Shinde, Commissioner, NMMC.
